Page 60 of Knot His Reality

“Good evening, Remington. I’m Taylor Larkin.” I take her offer hand and lift it to my lips.

“It’s very nice to meet you, Taylor.” I lower her hand but don’t release my hold on it. “You can call me Remy, and I’d love it if you’d tell me a little about yourself.”

Her smile grows, amusement dancing in her eyes. “Sure. I’m not sure if you’re able to pick up on it beneath the scent blockers, but I’m an alpha. I just turned twenty-six, and I work as an underwriter. When I’m not working, I prefer to spend my time outside. Hiking, running, just walking around an outdoor market—it doesn’t really matter what it is. There’s just something about having sunshine on my face. I’m the youngest of three children. We’re all alphas, but they’re male. We were raised in a pack with one male alpha father, five female betas, and a male omega. We were birthed by different mothers, but we aren’t sure who our father is—there’s been no reason for us to have to know, and I prefer it that way.”

“Wow, so many women in one pack? That’s almost unheard of.”

Taylor laughs. “It really is. There was some pushback from the community, but they all love one another. Watching everything Evangeline had to go through during the last season is what made me apply to be on this season. While it’s not the exact same thing my parental pack went through, it was close enough to resonate with me. I knew I wanted to be a part of what was being created onHeated.”

Realizing I haven’t spoken to any of the suitors about their preferences, I know that’s something we’ll need to talk about—if they feel comfortable with it. It’s not that their preferences will change anything for me, but being the first male omega, that’s something I have to consider. Obviously, everyone on the show is interested in men because they’re here for me, but are they also interested in women?

Maybe that’s a conversation that can be had on Sunday.

“That’s a pretty awesome reason to join the show,” I tell her with a smile. “I don’t enjoy being outside for too long, but I’m always willing to try something new. Maybe you can convince me why I should like sunlight.”

I gape at her as she laughs, as it’s so different from her earlier laugh. This time, she laughs with her whole body, head tossed back and her face lighting up. It makes her even more beautiful.

“Sure, we can work on that.” She squeezes my hand, and we talk a little longer about different activities I should try before Reginald signals for us to wrap it up.

I finally release her hand. “It was wonderful talking to you. I can’t wait to get to know you better.”

“You too, Remy.”

Then I’m watching her walk toward Tessa.

I force myself to turn back to the driveway when I hear the limo. By the time I turn around, the door is already ajar and someone is stepping out, and it takes me a moment to realize I recognize him from a previous season.

That’s Carter Woods from the first season, which means the second man stepping out is none other than Riley Woods.

Both men are a few years older, but Carter looks exactly as he did during Bree’s season. Riley, on the other hand, seems to have matured into his looks. Let’s just hope the same goes for his personality.

They’re both over six feet, but Carter has at least an inch on Riley. Carter moves with a smooth commanding gait, his bronzed terra cotta skin practically shimmers beneath the lights. His hair is still cut close to his head and his face is now covered with a full beard instead of the goatee from season one. He’s more attractive in person, which is saying a lot.

My eyes move to Riley as he walks beside his beta. He has a confident air about him but doesn’t seem to hold the same cockiness as he did before. His dark brown hair no longer flops into his face. Instead, it’s cut close on the sides with the top longer and fashionably styled, and he also sports a full beard. They both wear the tuxedos as if they were born in them.

As they come to a stop, Riley extends his hand. “Hello, Remington. My name is Riley Woods, and this is my beta, Carter. You might recognize us from season one.”

“I do,” I confirm, shaking his hand as wafts of prosecco and nectarines reach me. Their scents are too muddled beneath the blockers to get anything more than that, but I get the feeling when I scent them, I’m going to be swooning. I keep my eyes locked on his dark brown gaze. “I’m glad to see the two of you. And to meet you.”

Carter offers me a smile as he takes my head. “We’re glad to meet you as well. I hope you won’t hold Riley’s behavior from the first season against him.”

“Absolutely not. Not only has it been years, but Riley was dealing with his instincts over a new bond. It could’ve happened to anyone,” I assure them. “With that out of the way, why don’t the two of you tell me a little about yourselves? I don’t recall much from your season, but I’m sure it’ll come back to me as you speak.”

“We’d love to.” Riley clears his throat, running a hand down his jacket. “I’m twenty-seven and an alpha. Since leavingHeated, I’ve grown as a person and an alpha. I spent some time deciding who I wanted to be as a person, as a CEO, and as a pack mate. My father was impressed with the dedication I showed once I realized I needed to be a better man for myself, for Carter, and for our future pack. I took over for him at the beginning of last year. He’s really enjoying his retirement, and I’m mostly enjoying my time running the company.”

I snort out a laugh. “I imagine it can be a little taxing at times.”

“That it can, but I’m doing my best to balance everything so I still have time for Carter.”

Carter nods. “Honestly, it was a wake-up call for both of us. I was a workaholic, and Riley was just coasting by. When he stepped up, I actually stepped back. I’m still working as an ADA, but for now, I’ve decided against pursuing the District Attorney position. That’s something I don’t want to do until we find a pack, and I’m sure it’s something we can all handle. Not having my entire focus on that one limited-time prize has been eye opening. Now I know there’s more to life than working.”

I practically melt into a puddle right then and there.

“That’s so amazing. The two of you were able to take Bree’s rejection as an opportunity to become better men. Not everyone would handle it like that.” I pause, considering them. “Feel free to tell me to mind my own business, but I’m surprised to find you on the show again. With the changes you’ve made, I’m surprised you haven’t found a pack already.”

Riley clears his throat again, eyes falling to the ground as Carter seeks out his hand, squeezing it. “We’ve tried, but not everyone is as open-minded as you. They can’t seem to move past how I acted onHeated. It’s a little disheartening, but when Bree and Tessa reached out, we knew this was the opportunity we’ve been waiting for.”

“Well, I’m really glad that you’re here,” I tell them, frowning when I see Reginald signaling to wrap it up. “As much as I’d love to continue this conversation, it seems we’re out of time.”

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